Mentorship - Surveying Articles - Land Surveyors United

Bridging the Gap: Why Surveyors Must Learn to Disagree, Share, and Build Together Before It’s Too Late

I. Introduction: A Profession at War With Itself

Surveying has always been a profession that demands precision, attention to detail, and a willingness to stand your ground when the data says you’re right. After all, when it comes to boundary lines, inches matter, and there’s no prize for being close enough. But somewhere along the way, that necessary professional skepticism—the instinct to double-check, to challenge assumptions—turned inward. Instead of fighting for the integrity of the craft, surveyors started fighting each other.

Spend a day inside any online surveying group—whether on Facebook, LinkedIn, or some crowded forum—and you’ll see it firsthand. A young surveyor posts a question. Maybe it’s about GPS drift. Maybe it’s about interpreting a confusing easement. Maybe they’re new, or maybe they’re just trying to learn. The first answer is helpful. The second is condescending. By the fifth reply, someone’s insulting someone else’s competence, regional knowledge, or accusing them

Licensure Under Siege – The Quiet War Against Professionalism

Our original piece The Push to Kill Surveying Licensure: Who’s Behind It and Why? examined attacks on licensure; here, we explore whether evolving licensure models might actually strengthen the profession.

Section 1: Introduction – The Importance of Licensure

Licensure is a cornerstone of the surveying profession, ensuring that only qualified individuals carry out the critical tasks that affect land rights, public safety, and property values. As discussed in previous articles, licensure protects not only the profession but also the public, providing assurance that surveyors adhere to high standards of accuracy, ethical conduct, and professionalism. Without licensure, the surveying profession risks falling prey to inaccuracies, fraud, and inconsistent practices that could undermine public trust and the integrity of the industry.

While licensure plays a crucial role in maintaining these high standards, there are increasing calls to rethink or even streamline the regulatory process. Some

Surveying’s Crossroads: A Constructive Counterpoint to the National Surveyors Week Message

As we explore this counterpoint perspective, it’s important to revisit the original discussions that shaped the narrative around National Surveyors Week. For insights into the impact of emerging technology, see How AI Will Change (Not Replace) the Surveying Profession and The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Surveying. The critical role of NOAA was explored in Why NOAA Is The Most Important Agency You’ve Never Thought About and What Happens to Surveying If NOAA Loses Funding?. For the conversation around professional standards and licensure, revisit The Push to Kill Surveying Licensure: Who’s Behind It and Why? and When Licensure Disappears, So Does Accuracy (And Public Trust). Additionally, the importance of knowledge preservation and education was addressed in The Generational Knowledge Gap: Where Are the Next Surveyors? and How to Build the Future of Surveying Through Education. Finally, the profession’s role in defending reality was explored in Surveyors: The Last Defenders of Ground Trut

The Silent Takeover of Surveying Data: How Privatization Threatens the Profession

Introduction:

For centuries, surveying has been a public trust—an essential profession that safeguards property rights, ensures infrastructure stability, and provides the geospatial foundation for entire

economies. At its core, surveying is about accuracy, integrity, and accessibility. It has long been a profession grounded in public records, open data, and professional oversight.

But in the modern era, the pillars that have upheld surveying for generations are being quietly dismantled.

We are witnessing a rapid shift toward privatization—where corporations, not professional surveyors, are seizing control over geospatial data, land records, and even the tools surveyors use to perform their work. Data that was once publicly accessible is being placed behind corporate paywalls. Automated AI tools are being marketed as replacements for licensed professionals. Regulatory oversight is being weakened under the guise of efficiency.

And the worst part? It’s happening in plain sight, but too

A Guide to National Surveyors Week Featured Articles

National Surveyors Week is here, and the future of surveying has never been more important. From AI overreach to deregulation and public misconceptions, surveyors are facing challenges that will define the profession for generations. This five-day, 15-article series dives deep into these critical issues, offering clear strategies to protect licensure, advocate for the profession, and reclaim control of geospatial data. Now is the time to engage, educate, and lead—explore the full series and be part of the movement to secure the future of surveying.

Monday: AI, Automation, and the Delusion of Effortless Accuracy

AI and automation promise to revolutionize surveying, but are they delivering accuracy—or just hype? This three-part series explores the truth behind AI in surveying, its limitations, and the growing battle over who controls geospatial data.

🔹 The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Surveying: Why Tech Companies Keep Getting It Wrong
AI is often marketed as a game-changer for surveying,

Donald Trump and the Potential Positive Impact on the Land Surveying Industry

This is by no means a post rooted in politics. It is an exploratory article about potential. No matter which political affiliation you subscribe to, there should be no question as to whether Land Surveyors have always been a part of Donald Trump's life in real estate. This post explores the potential positive effect that a mention from the 47th president could have on the profession.

Why National Surveyors Week 2025 May Be the Most Important NSW Ever

National Surveyors Week 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a critical opportunity to secure the profession’s future. With increasing threats of deregulation, declining public awareness, and rapid technological transformation, land surveyors must take action to educate, advocate, and engage. In this post we share a new Land Surveying Deregulation Dashboard, Ideas for boosting public awareness and detailed information about which states need the most immediate attention.

Questionable Practices in Land Surveying: Observations from 18 Years of Surveyor Community Management

As experienced land surveyors, we've observed outdated practices that persist in the industry despite advancements in technology. This article explores these questionable methods, offering historical insights and real-world examples to illustrate why modernization is crucial.

Writing a Legal Description as a Professional Land Surveyor (Including Checklist)

Accurate and concise legal descriptions are the lifeblood of land surveying, providing the legal framework for property boundaries. In our article, we emphasize the paramount importance of getting these descriptions right and introduce a valuable resource, "Writing a Legal Description as a Professional Land Surveyor." This comprehensive checklist guides surveyors through the intricacies of crafting impeccable legal descriptions, from choosing the right land description system to reconciling overlaps and gaps. By mastering this critical skill, surveyors not only ensure legal certainty but also safeguard property rights and facilitate smooth real estate transactions. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your expertise with our indispensable guide.

A Comprehensive Guide to Land Surveys: Uncovering the Different Types and Their Real-World Applications

Land surveys are vital tools utilized by professional land surveyors to accurately measure and map various aspects of a property. These surveys serve distinct purposes, tailored to the specific requirements of different projects and scenarios. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of land surveys, shedding light on their unique characteristics and real-world applications.

Land Surveyors' Vital Role in Construction Layout: Expert Insights and Guidance

Unlock the secrets to successful construction layout with the invaluable expertise of land surveyors. Discover their vital role in ensuring precise placement and alignment of structures in this insightful article. Explore the significance of land surveyors in construction projects, from interpreting design plans to establishing control points and providing quality control, for flawless execution.

The Crucial Role of Land Surveyors in Land Development Projects

From assessing feasibility to boundary determination, site planning, construction layout, and documentation, land surveyors provide invaluable expertise and data that are vital to the success of such projects. In this post, we will delve into the various responsibilities and contributions of land surveyors, highlighting their essential role in ensuring accurate measurements, compliance with regulations, and the overall success of land development endeavors.

Building Connections in the Land Surveying Industry: Encouraging Active Participation in Events

Are you ready to take your participation in the land surveying industry to the next level? Building connections and actively engaging in events can open up a world of opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. In this article, we will explore how you can contribute to the Land Surveyors United community by sharing your upcoming local events, encourage state board representatives to list their events, and discover the exciting virtual streaming component available on the platform. Get ready to connect, learn, and thrive in the land surveying industry like never before!

How accurate are land survey measurements?

I get the same question a lot. "Why can't I just survey my land with my phone? It has GPS in it." The truth is while smartphones are convenient and useful for many tasks, they are not suitable for professional land surveying. To ensure accurate and reliable results, it is important to use specialized equipment and software designed for accuracy and precision, and to follow established standards and procedures.

What is "Double Rodding" in Land Surveying?

Double rodding is a technique used in land surveying to ensure the accuracy of measurements taken with a leveling instrument, such as a level or transit. The process involves using two rods, one placed in the location where the measurement is being taken and another at a predetermined distance away.

What is a Zenith and how is a Zenith used in Land Surveying?

Exploring the term Zenith and how it is used in Land Surveying

Land Mentor Software License Registration is Now FREE! Thanks Neighborhood Innovations!

Get to know Land Mentor Software and their incredible history of building software.. Also, Land Surveyors United Members can now register for their free license for Land Mentor Software...

National Surveyors Week, Surveying Jobs and Resources - oh my!

National Surveyors Week is a time to not only celebrate the Land Surveying Profession, it is a time to gain exposure for your company and strengthen the surveying community! In our community, we feel it is also perhaps the best time of year to educate the public regarding the importance of land surveyors to society and civilization. Please Add One Surveying Photo or Video to your Local Hub inside Land Surveyors United! Here are a few quick things you can do today to support the community and promote your surveying legacy: List Your US Land Surveying Company inside Our Directory for United States Land Surveying Companies. Add Your Available Surveying Jobs to the Jobs Board for Land Surveyors. Add the USA Land Surveyors App to your phone and stay connected with your Local Chapter Hub. Check out the entire collection of current Member Apps and add those that you like to your phone

Why is Land Surveying Beneficial?

Land surveyors use special instruments and techniques to measure the boundaries of a piece of land. They use this information to create a detailed map of the property, which is used to plan out developments or create legal documents. It is also used to make sure the boundaries of a property are clearly identified.

Where to Find Available Land Surveyor Jobs

We have a brand new way to both Find available Land Surveying Jobs anywhere in the world as well as post open positions that you are aware of. We are calling this action packed new Jobs Resource for Land Surveyors, the Surveyor Jobs Megaboard. Here is how it works:

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Do you have an article about Land Surveying that you would like to share?

Land Surveying is a timeless art and science and it is therefore, evergreen! You may also know that a lot of older publications have gone away, unfortunately. If you have written or published land surveying articles in the past, we would be honored for you to share them here with us. If it is an older article, you can even republish it here with updates and reflections.

class="block"Tip: If you published an article in the past on one of the older sites which no longer exist, you can use the Wayback Machine to find it. Then just copy/paste the old article inside a new post here. Just be sure to tell us where it was previously posted.

Want to embed a PDF Document?

If you have a PDF document or article related to land surveying that you would like to embed inside an article post, simply copy/paste the following code block into the HTML view of the post editor and replace the BOLD part of the code with the URL of the PDF you'd like to embed.

Code to use:

TIP: You can also upload your PDF using the file upload button and then copy/paste the URL of the document you uploaded with the BOLD part of the code above to get a flippable PDF like so:

Differences between Forums, Blogs and Article posts

Forum Posts are great for asking questions which have a definate answer. Forum posts are best for a quick exchange of information between Land Surveyors United members. Please note that All Community Hubs have their own dedicated Forums so if your post is related to a specific hub, it is best to ask your question or share your tip inside the hub in which it belongs for targeted answers. For example, if your question relates to Leica equipment, ask your question inside the Leica Hub forum for best results as all members inside that hub uses the equipment in question. Likewise if your question pertains to a Location, you should consider making your post inside the appropriate hub.

Add Discussion

Blog Postsdiffer from Forum posts because you can embed and upload different kinds of information. Blog posts are best for presenting information and updates for feedback and sharing. When posting a Blog Post, you can also publish a short excerpt at the bottom which is what most members will see before reading the blog post. Blog posts are also great for posting new surveying projects and digests of links to multiple surveying topics or your own website. Things that can be embedded into Blog Posts are videos, images, slideshows, powerpoints, spreadsheets, PDFs, documents and more.

Add Blog Post

Articles are similar to Blog Posts in all ways except one. Articles allow for you to post an Author Block at the bottom with links to your contact info, website information, credentials, etc. Similar to Blog Posts, things that can be embedded into Blog Posts are videos, images, slideshows, powerpoints, spreadsheets, PDFs, documents and more. Similar to both types above, Hub Owners can add article sections and features to any hub they control on the community.

Add Article

I. Introduction: A Profession at War With Itself

Our original piece The Push to Kill Surveying Licensure: Who’s Behind It and Why? examined attacks on licensure; here, we explore whether evolving licensure models might actually strengthen the profession.

Section 1: Introduction – The Importance of Licensure

Monday: AI, Automation, and the Delusion of Effortless Accuracy

AI and automation promise to revolutionize surveying, but are they delivering accuracy—or just hype? This three-part series explores the truth behind AI in surveying, its limitations, and the growing battle over who controls geospatial data.

🔹 The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Surveying: Why Tech Companies Keep Getting It Wrong AI is often marketed as a game-changer for surveying,

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

Note: this page is for Futurist members who support the community and help us sustain financially.Please subscribe to unlock this page an almost 100 surveyor tools.

🔹 The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Surveying: Why Tech Companies Keep Getting It Wrong
AI is often marketed as a game-changer for surveying,